Good morning to all - just felt a few questions pop in my brain for cute romance things for your OCs so decided to make my own post. I'm sure these are not new questions for many of you but they're fun either way. Feel free to ask for mine and reblog so I can ask about yours! <3 (This has been sitting in my drafts for NEARLY A YEAR - @thesixthplaneteer and I talked about this forever ago!)
I tried to keep the questions on a more positive side but feel free to get deep with it!
Which of your OCs plans the matching Halloween costume? What do they and their partner(s) dress up as?
Who is the most openly sappy when it comes to expressing their affection? How do they go about showing the love in a public space?
Would they get married if they could? If not, what's something they might do to show their commitment in a different way?
What's a cute AU for them you like thinking about? Ex: Domestic living, ice cream shoppe, meet-cute at a train station, etc.
What's a smell they associate with their partner(s)?
Real talk, who fell in love first?
How fast did they get together once they realized their feelings? How long did it take for them to realize it?
What kind of space do you imagine for them if they're able to live together?
What's a song from their playlist? If you don't have a playlist just pick a song that makes you think of them!
What position in a dungeon-crawling party would they take up? This is important you never know!
What's the GOTCHA! factor they have that gets the other(s)? Feel free to tell us everyone's thing!
Who's the most structured with a million notes and calendars? Who's the free spirit who just does as they please?
Do they share a bed? Would they if they could?
Where did they go for their first unofficial date?
Where did they go for their first official date?
If they've had one, where did they have their first kiss?
Is their relationship more emotional and physical? In what ways do they express themselves to each other to show the love?
Quick! Their partner(s) birthday is today and they need to get a last minute gift because the actual present got delayed in shipping! What do they get and from where do they get it at?
Someone's having a bad day, how do they cheer them up?
What's their favorite shared meal?
If they got a shared pet, what would they get and who would name it?
I'd like to do this with Ophelia and Emmrich. Please, ask me and I shall respond as quickly as possible (I love writing silly little things about them 🥹🥹)
With @clodicious 's Ophelia Ingellvar, done for 2025's @unofficialdragonageday . I am extremely late but at least I can say I put my all into it.
The World finishes the journey the Fool begins. With the world at her feet she conducts the circle of life and death, beginning and end. But mourn not the ending of your journey, for it has freed you to begin anew, as the World looks upon all with hope and kindess, in this world and the next.
At the Hanged Man Tattoo Shop, sparks fly between artist Agi Aldwir and her newest client, Emmrich Volkarin. SFW.
Inspired by this post by @clodicious
“Your one o’clock is here, Red.” Varric called from the doorway to her room at Hanged Man Tattoo.
Agnes’s head shot up, her bespectacled gaze meeting his. “Oh? He’s early.” She looked back at her phone. “Twenty minutes early.”
Varric sighed. “He seems the type to be early. Oh, and uh, Agi, he seems nervous. Just to let you know.”
She rose from her chair, putting her phone in her cardigan pocket. “Say no more. I got this.”
That’s it, Agi---big smiles!
“You always do, kid. That’s why I hired you.” Varric teased, but Agnes knew he’s a big ol’ softie who’s known my parents for decades. “Agi, meet Emmrich.” He gestured to—
THE HOTTEST MAN I’VE EVER SEEN!?!?!?
HERE?!?!?
AND HE WANTS ME TO TATTOO HIM!?!?
Fuck.
“Emmrich, this is Agi.”
A lanky, middle-aged man in wait are those designer jeans, white button down, and a lilac sweater held out his bejeweled hand. “Charmed.”
Okay.
Alright.
Let’s…take stock of the situation.
There is a very hot man wearing an entire jewelry store who wants me to tattoo him.
I am so fucked. I am cooked. I am hot AND bothered.
She shook his hand briefly, willing herself to remain normal. BE NORMAL, AGI. “Hi! Nice to meet you, Emmrich.”
“Likewise, Agi. I, um,” Varric wasn’t kidding. He’s worse than me when I’m asked to do public speaking. “I saw online that you did this.” He tapped his phone screen and showed her a memorial tattoo she created for my friend Urianger in memory of his first love Moenbryda. “I was hoping for something similar, if that’s at all possible.”
Agnes grinned. “Of course! Let’s go back to my room and talk. Please, follow me.” Once in her room, she closed the door and pointed to the tattoo chair. “Take a seat. Let me grab my tablet, and we’ll get started.” As he settled in the chair, she turned to pick up her not at all covered in Pusheen stickers tablet, her breathing slow and deep despite the pounding of her heart. Smile and calm his sexy ass down. Agnes pulled up her stool and sat opposite him. “So, tell me what you’re thinking about. I’m gonna find the design I made for Urianger…and see if I saved a few others that might be of interest.”
“I’d like a memorial tattoo in honor of my parents.” Emmrich began, smiling sadly.
Glancing up, she frowned. “Aw, I’m so sorry.”
He gave a respectful nod. “Thank you.”
“If you don’t mind me asking, what happened?”
Please don’t it be something bad.
“Oh, I don’t mind at all. A building collapse. Swift deaths. I was ten.” FUCK. “After that, I was a ward of the Mourn Watch since I had no other family.”
She could not resist the urge to pout slightly. “Belated condolences?”
Why was that a question, Agi?! WHY?!?!?
His smile changed into something much warmer, his hazel eyes sparkling. Fuck. He’s so beautiful. I want to squeeze the stuffing out of him. “Those are always welcome, my dear.” He blinked. “O-oh. Do forgive me. I didn’t mean—”
Agnes shook her head quickly. “It’s okay! You can call me whatever you want, Emmrich. It’s all good.” Call me pretty? Cute? Best tattoo artist in the building?
Is he blushing?!
“Your grace is astounding, Agi.”
Blushing and sighing?!
Ah, here we go…
“Alright,” she tapped her screen and then the image of Urianger’s tattoo appeared. “As you can see, I did red roses and Moenbryda’s signature, which Urianger got permission from her parents to use.” Now, impress him!!! “When I was sketching, I made versions with different flowers on the border---daises, peonies, carnations, Shroud’s Kiss—”
His eyes widened considerably. “Shroud’s Kiss? That’s precisely what I was imagining!” She tapped the tablet a few times and then an image of Shroud’s Kiss in varying sizes along vines, creating a border around a center with a placeholder for names. “Yes. That’s…that’s wonderful.”
Happy pout!
“Aw, thank you. Oh! Shit, before I forget: where do you want your tattoo?”
Don’t be horny. Don’t be horny. Don’t be horny.
He blushed even more?!?!?!? Why are you so cute?!?!?! Fuck. “I was thinking upper arm. Is that advisable?”
As she mentally calculated about what size the tattoo should be, she nodded. “Fuck yeah! It’s your tattoo, Emmrich. You’re in charge. I’m just here to make it happen.” Agnes winked and then panicked internally. Just keep smiling…
“Please. You’re much more important than that.” Still want to squeeze the stuffing out of him. “Oh! My parents’ names are Rupert and Elannora. E-l-a-n-n-o-r-a.”
She nodded, making a note. “Another question: how do you want their names written? I was thinking maybe you could write their names in cursive, and I can tattoo them in the center here?” She then offered him her tablet and stylus. “Go ahead. I mean, if you want. Obviously. It’s just an idea.”
Shit. Shit. Shit. Am I being too pushy?
Oh!!! He!!!!
Emmrich wrote of course in perfect handwriting his parents’ names and hummed thoughtfully as he examined the image. “I must say…you’ve captured what I’ve imagined for many years.” He smiled. “Then I happened to be scrolling in the middle of the night and saw the post about his tattoo. I couldn’t get the image out of my head. Simple. Elegant. Beautiful. That’s when I knew I must make an appointment with you. And here we are! Isn’t that marvelous?”
Agnes would swear later on that time did indeed stop for several moments as she absorbed what Emmrich said.
I’m gonna die.
Poof.
Gone.
Bye.
Nodding, she returned his smile and may have blushed a lot. “Emmrich, I’m honored you chose me. Really! You seem like a good guy, and I want to tattoo what’s in here…” She pointed to his head. “On here…” Agnes giggled and pointed to his upper right arm. “Or the other one! Do all that and make it look kickass. And respectful. Of course. Totally respectful.”
SMILE!
He laughed. And laughed. And laughed more. And laughing so much he began to cry. “Forgive me, you’re very funny, my dear. I haven’t laughed quite so heartily in some time.” His gaze lingered on her as she blushed again. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. “Ah, colors. What you have already is perfect.”
“Don’t want the Shroud’s Kiss to be another color? Keep it traditional?”
Emmrich gave a quick nod. “Yes please.” Fuck me, he’s blushing AGAIN!!!! “Botany is one of my hobbies. I just adore flowers.”
She wrinkled her nose and giggled. “So do I, though they tend to make me sneeze. Alright, upper arm…this should be a good size. What do you think, Emmrich?” They both glanced at the screen, and he made happy noises AGAIN! Man, I’m really good at this. Or he’s just really nice. Or maybe he could like…nah. Nope. With my luck, he’s married. Or fucking everyone. Or both.
“Excellent.” He chuckled softly. “You are a wonder, Agi.”
Me?
A wonder?
Full of Wonder Bread maybe but not…
“You wanna do it today?” Agnes blurted out before she had a chance to think. “I just need to clean this up a bit and get the forms signed. If you want! Of course!”
In those devilishly handsome hazel eyes, they burned bright both with tears and determination. Why’s he crying?! FUCK. “Yes. Let’s get this show on the road as it were.”
Placing the tablet in her lap, she pumped her fist in the air. “Fuck yeah!”
Fuck yeah I’m tattooing the hot man!
***
Forms were completed and signed.
Agnes ran to the convenience store next to the shop to obtain, in her words, “Snacks and soda. Just in case you feel like you’ll pass out! Hopefully not!!!!”
Emmrich removed his sweater and button-down, leaving on his short-sleeved undershirt, and reclined in the tattoo chair.
Slow, deep breaths.
Agi is a brilliant young lady who cares deeply about her profession.
Her current tattoo license is on the wall.
Everything is clean if slightly disorganized.
“Hey. You doing okay over here?”
He opened his eyes to see Agnes smiling down at him and holding up a cloth shopping bag. “Oh! Yes! I’m fine, thank you.” Emmrich watched her remove a package of chocolate sandwich cookies and two bottles of Hossberg Dry Ginger Ale.
She grinned as she finished setting up her station. “Awesome! Okay, so if you’re feeling lightheaded, faint, face suddenly feels hot, nauseous…you gotta let me know, so I can give you something to eat and drink.” She pulled a face and then giggled again, which I think is just adorable. “That way you don’t pass out from the pain.”
“You’d be surprised at my pain tolerance. I have my nipples pierced, you know.”
Did I flirt with her?
Yes.
Oh Maker, yes.
“Oooooooh,” she said, her eyebrows rising, her pretty little nose scrunching. I simply wish to kiss it. “Look at you all fancy! One sec, need to adjust this first.” Agnes fixed the height of her stool and laughed. “You get it, Emmrich. We’re both fucking tall.”
He had never heard his height described as “fucking tall” before.
Normally, he would have found her cursing to be abhorrent.
With her, it’s charming.
Utterly, completely charming.
“Ha, yes. It’s so easy to twinge one’s back.” Far too easy at my age. Ugh. “I do hope you’ll be comfortable. Not too awkward a position.”
With her stool now the correct height, she plopped herself down and smiled. “Don’t you worry about me, okay? I’m good. Remember, I’m here for you.” Agnes gave his forearm a few friendly pats. “You need a break? You got it. A drink? Fuck yeah. Snacks? Even more fuck yeah.” Quite right, my dear. “So Emmrich, are you ready?” She stared at him expectantly, her smile big and broad and beautiful just like her.
He nodded. “As ready as I’ll ever be, Agi.”
Agnes performed a small victory dance of sorts and then did her final preparations before starting.
Including shaving where the tattoo will go and “gloving the fuck up” according to Agi.
“Here. We. Goooooo.” Agnes chuckled as she began the linework. “How’s the pain? Tolerable?”
“It’s not as bad as I expected, though I imagine it’s because of the location?”
She briefly met his gaze and winked. “Damn right, Emmrich! The closer you tattoo to bone, the more it’s going to hurt like a mo—motherfudger.” When he laughed, so did she. “Hey! I’m trying to be a classy, professional lady over here and not say motherfucker to a very clearly classy gentleman.”
If only I were ten years younger…
Oh, I would…
We could…
Emmrich shoved those dreadfully sad thoughts aside, promising silently to stay in the moment. “Has anyone ever told you that you’re hilarious?”
A shyer smile this time.
“Yeah, a bit. I just like making people smile, you know?”
Aren’t you the most precious little darling?
He smiled warmly. “An admirable trait.”
It was not lost on Emmrich that the blush on Agnes’s face deepened before she cleared her throat. “So, um, Emmrich, what do you do for a living?”
“I’m a psychologist, currently in private practice. Though it’s not strictly professional, I’m also a member of the Mourn Watch and volunteer at the Grand Necropolis, mainly grief counselling and reading to the foundlings. Oh, how I enjoy that!”
That sweet pout! My heart!
“Aw, that’s lovely. Wait, you said the Mourn Watch took you in after your parents died, right?” He nodded, and she gasped. “Aw! Seriously, that’s so great. The Mourn Watch must mean a lot to you.”
Emmrich nodded once again. “Yes. Very much. In fact, the Mourn Watch was how I met and later adopted my son Manfred.” Manfred, dear boy. Right! I can still… He left his phone in his lap and tapped on the screen, holding it up with the other hand. “That’s him. He just turned six a few months ago.”
I had no idea that exact pitch existed, Agi.
“HOLY SHIT! AWWWWW, WHAT A SWEETIE PIE! HE’S SO CUTE! I JUST WANNA SMOOSH HIS LITTLE FACE!” Agnes then blushed furiously and bit her bottom lip. “Oh sorry for being loud. I love kids. They’re so cute. Especially Manfred.”
Sighing, he turned his screen off. “Manfred was the reason I went into private practice. I wanted a more flexible schedule than what the university offered. I want to be there for him, to be the best father I can…which meant I needed a less demanding position.”
“What did you do at the university?”
“A combination of counselling, teaching, and research.” He waved his free hand dismissively. “I authored and co-authored papers, presented at conferences, spoke at dinners, hobnobbed with donors. But then,” he blinked back a few tears, his voice wavering. “Manfred came into my life. He has undoubtedly altered my life for the better. I’m so grateful for him.” Emmrich looked away. “Forgive me, I…I’ve been accused of being overly sentimental.”
Agnes whispered conspiratorially, “You’re not the only one.” Even when she sniggers it’s adorable. “It’s all good. Though, you wanna hear something funny?”
Want. To.
“Sure.”
She winked. “Yours truly is adopted.”
He gasped. “Truly?”
Agnes nodded happily. “Yup! My parents adopted me when I was six months old. They’re amazing. I love them so much.”
Emmrich sighed, a smile curling under his mustache. “Oh, that is wonderful. They must be incredibly proud of you.”
Smiling shyly, she said, “Yeah. They…well, Da definitely was. He passed away two years ago. Oh shit! Fuck! Mum is proud! I didn’t want it to sound like she wasn’t!” More nervous laughing. My dear, please be at ease. I find you to be utterly charming. “But anyways, I think it’s…great you’re a dad. Manfred’s lucky.” She has such pretty eyes. “How are you feeling? Need a break?”
“I am well, thank you.” He watched her nod, returning to the linework. “May I ask you something?”
“Fuck yeah. Go ahead.”
Emmrich bit the inside of his cheek to stop himself from grinning. Charming. Gorgeous. Stunning. Funny. Kind. “What you decide to become a tattoo artist?”
For the next few hours, Emmrich listened to Agnes detail her early love of photography; winning several competitions in secondary school; her time at Rivain Art College (one of the best art schools in Thedas---an incredible achievement, my dear); how a friend named Thancred convinced her to take a tattooing apprenticeship with his boyfriend Urianger; getting and then losing a job at tattoo shop in Dairsmuid because of in her words “a greedy bitch ass owner who locked us out”; lamenting at home in Ferelden; Varric calling and offering her a job…
“And the rest, as they say, is history! I’ve been here for two and a half years. Living in Nevarra’s been really great so far, even if the rent is expensive as fuck.” She laughed. “Sorry, I tend to ramble when I’m…” Agnes blushed, tending to the tattoo. “I’m comfortable with someone.”
Comfortable? With me?
Don’t swoon or blush or for heaven’s sake don’t sigh.
Emmrich may have stopped the swooning but did sigh and blush at her words. “Oh, I don’t mind. Ramble as much as you desire, Agi.”
She hummed softly. “You’re very sweet. Thank you. Ah! Emmrich, guess what?” Agnes grinned, her sweet button nose crinkling. “We’re done! I just need to give you instructions for care and go up front and boom! We’ll be done.” Her mouth then curled into an ‘o’ as she realized she forgot something, grabbing a small mirror to show the tattoo. “What do you think?”
With every ounce of sincerity he possessed, Emmrich bowed his head respectfully. “Perfect. You are a true artist, Agi. Thank you.”
“Aw, you are the fucking sweetest! You are very welcome! Now, here’s your instructions. Basically, keep it clean. No scent, antibacterial soap. Wash multiple times a day with lukewarm water. Dab with paper towel to dry.” After he put his button down and sweater on, she handed him the sheet. “I also wrote my number in case you have any questions, concerns, whatever.” Pausing for a moment, she blurted out, “Do you hug? I’m a bit of a hugger.”
He laughed heartily, his long, lean arms outstretched. “I am indeed!”
Emmrich embraced her.
Oh.
Oh my.
I could melt into her.
If I were ten years younger…
“Fuck yeah! Let’s go to the front and talk to everyone’s favorite fiction author slash tattoo shop owner.” She gave him one more squeeze and nearly tripping twirling towards the front desk. She’s elegant in her own way.
“That’ll be four hundred fifty plus whatever tip I hope you’re giving.” Varric said, eyes narrowing at Emmrich. “Because Agi’s fantastic.”
Her eyes widened. “Varric!”
Emmrich chuckled, removing his wallet from his pants pocket. “Four hundred fifty, and of course, a tip.” He watched her count the bills, her eyes widening further.
“Uh, wow. Emmrich, you gave me a five hundred gold tip. I think you made a mis—” She began, her brow furrowed.
Grinning, he held up a hand. “Oh, no I didn’t. As Mr. Tethras pointed out, you’re fantastic. My tip reflects your skill, kindness, and compassion.”
Varric glanced between the two and shrugged. “Well, shit. Don’t just stand there, Agi.” He gestured to Emmrich. “Thank the man for the nice tip.”
Agnes blinked. Once. Twice. Three times.
“Thanks. I appreciate it. A lot. Thank you.” She tucked the bills into her pocket and gestured to the door. “May I walk you outside?”
He smiled. “Of course. Thank you again, Varric.”
Varric smiled and waved, muttering under his breath, “Well, shit. She’s actually going to do it.”
Outside the shop, she took a few steps away from the door and faced him, smiling nervously. “Hey, do you want to get dinner sometime? If you don’t want to that’s fine!” Agnes added quickly upon seeing shock written on his face. “Totally fine!”
“Agi,” he began gently, reaching for her. “I would like that very much, but first…come here.” This time she seemed to fall into him as he hugged her, her head tucked under his chin.
As he rubbed circles into her back, she sighed. “This is nuts, right? Like, this is nuts. We just met, and I swore I wouldn’t…not with clients…not that I ever even…” She exhaled deeply. “Well. Now you know. I’ve never been on a date or kissed or done anything with anyone. Is that…is that okay?” Agnes pulled back slightly and glanced at him, brown eyes wide and full of uncertainty.
He chuckled, brushing a dark red curl behind her ear. “Sweet girl, of course it is.” Emmrich felt his cheeks burning. “And I’m glad you chose me.”
That made her laugh. “Fuck, I should be thanking you for choosing me! After all, if you didn’t see Urianger’s tattoo and make the appointment, we wouldn’t have met today.” Her smile finally shifted into something much more relaxed. “Isn’t funny how life works sometimes?”
“Indeed.” He smiled, placing a kiss on her forehead. “When are you finished here?”
She checked her phone. “Forty-five minutes. You were my only appointment for the day actually.” Her brow furrowed before she wondered, “Do you need to pick up Manfred or…?”
Emmrich shook his head. “No. He’s staying the night with dear friends who insisted I take some time for myself.” I do practice no small amount of self-care, Myrna and Vorgoth. “However, I’m finding I’d rather spend that time with you.”
“I’m flattered.” My dear, I will flatter you as much as you wish. She wrinkled her nose and giggled, turning towards the door. “Let’s hang in my room, and I’ll tell you about my tattoos. How’s that sound?”
Emmrich did not stop himself from swooning this time. “Perfect” left his lips as he stared at her like she hung the moon, the stars, the sun, everything.
The art I promised it's here!! @itsssmblog did an amazing work, the art is better than I imagined!! It portrays a scene from this chapter, and it looks beautiful!
Cut image for Tumblr, but you can watch the whole thing in Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/claudicious.bsky.social/post/3mdki5budj22m
The art I promised it's here!! @itsssmblog did an amazing work, the art is better than I imagined!! It portrays a scene from this chapter, and it looks beautiful!
Cut image for Tumblr, but you can watch the whole thing in Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/claudicious.bsky.social/post/3mdki5budj22m
And here I am, presenting you to Leo, Kate's little brother!!
These are some face studies I started to do to develop and search for him. It's quite a challenge since I'm not used to drawing kids. I struggle a lot to make him look like the age I'm imagining him to have. It will be a search on the go, I guess, I'm still not sure what I want him to look like. Surely he has to remember Kate.
He's a little sweet, energetic, and joyful kid, very sensitive, sometimes too much, and he has fragile health. Despite this, he always wants to go around, run, and play, making Kate crazy to keep up with him.
And then some full-body Kate studies. I need so much to draw full-body characters; I struggle a lot with the proportion and the design.
After this, I will post a little sneak peek at Kate's family. Let's bring some lore.
Oh, for the first drawing, I use one of the wonderful references that @jookpubstock created for free for all of us artists. I can't thank them enough for all the incredible work and help they give to us. Thank you ❤️.
